Najib's assets declaration not public knowledge - Idris Haron

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron questioned the Secretary-General of PKR Rafizi Ramli, who has boldly demanded the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak to declare his assets in the interest of transparency and honesty.

When asked to comment on the demand made by the Pandan MP for Najib to declare his assets, Idris said the declaration should not be made public.

"Najib does not declare his assets to the public for security reasons. But, who is Rafizi anyway? If he (Rafizi) declares his assets, who knows he may have other assets under other people’s names?

"Anwar Ibrahim has been doing the same. If you look at the declaration made by Anwar, he can’t afford to even travel around the country, but you can see him traversing the world freely,” said Idris in an interview at Astro AWANI headquarters, here Tuesday.

"Assets declaration is highly-encouraged and portrays one's honesty. It is not done to flaunt. I know Rafizi has some assets too, which are not declared and placed under other people's names and I believe that was done intentionally as provocation towards others,” said Idris, adding that a declaration of assets is made to employers, for instance.

"I declare my assets to the Prime Minister. If I make it public, security issues may rise. A person who feels that he is obliged to declare his assets to the public would be the kind who is not easily threatened or not afraid.

“We're talking about your safety and by making the declaration public may just impose threats on your children, wife and family,” he added.

Idris, who is also Second Education Minister, said if he was asked to declare his assets and liabilities to the public, the declaration shall take effect on the first day he took his oath as Malacca CM.

"After five years in office, I would do another declaration to show that, no form of any abuse of power, when holding a certain position. This is how to do it. Not like how they do it. When they feel they want to declare, they are going to declare.

He added that it is a non-issue for him to make a declaration but only to his superior -- who is the Prime Minister.

"I will only to the Prime Minister and he would save the file of the declaration," he said.

On Tuesday, Rafizi declared his assets and urged Najib to do the same. Rafizi was reportedly saying that by doing so, Najib can clear his name, often linked with current wealth allegedly exceeding his salary.